Ohio State coach Urban Meyer says it was a series of factors that led to his decision to step down.

He says his headaches have become a persistent problem. He also says he is not sure he is able to coach at the intense, demanding level he has used for more than 30 years.

Meyer was suspended for three games at the start of this season for his role in handling domestic violence allegations against a now-fired assistant coach. He says the investigation of him also played a role in his decision.

Meyer was asked if the suspension will affect his legacy. He answered: "I'm sure it will... I can lie to you and say it is not important to me."

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2:30 p.m.

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer is explaining his reasoning to retire after the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1.

He says the headaches he suffers from the cyst that he has in his brain became severe last season during Ohio State's game at Penn State and have become a persistent problem this season.

He says stepping away would have been more difficult if the program wasn't healthy. The Buckeyes are 12-1 after winning the Big Ten. He also says knowing assistant coach Ryan Day would be his successor made the decision easier.

Meyer says the timing of his retirement was based on recruiting. He said the move needed to be made before the early signing period opens on Dec. 19.

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2:15 p.m.

Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith opened a news conference about Urban Meyer's retirement, saying the coach has exceeded expectations and raised the level competition in the Big Ten.

"We have enjoyed an incredible run. I recognize the toll that it takes," Smith said.

Smith said Meyer will be staying with the university in a new capacity, working coaches and athletes, but he was not specific about the role.

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Ohio State says Urban Meyer will retire after the Rose Bowl and assistant Ryan Day will be the next head coach.

After seven years and a national championship at Ohio State, the 54-year-old Meyer will formally announce his departure Tuesday at a news conference.

The university didn't say why he was retiring, but Meyer has said he suffers from debilitating headaches caused by an arachnoid cyst in his brain.

He was also battered this year by an offseason issue involving a now-fired assistant coach that led to Meyer's suspension for the first three games of the season.

Meyer was 81-9 with a national championship at Ohio State after six years at Florida, where he won two national titles.

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